Thermal container

ABSTRACT

A container is provided. The container has a cover that remains thermally, sealingly engaged with the container during the filling and dispensing of the container, and has filling and dispensing channels that are thermally sealed when not in use.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to, and claims priority in,co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/347,309, filed Jan.10, 2002 and co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/367,137, filed Mar. 22, 2002, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to one or more containers. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to one or more thermallyinsulated containers.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Automatic drip brewing devices are known in the art. Thesedevices require an open passage that allows the brewed beverage to flowfrom the brewing device to the container and an open passage fordispensing the brewed beverage from the container. However, the openpassage also allows unwanted heat loss, typically by steam passing backthrough the open passage.

[0006] The present invention relates to an improved container thatsubstantially eliminates heat loss through the open passage. The presentinvention provides a container with a cover that remains thermally,sealingly engaged with the container during the filling and dispensingof the container, and provides for filling and dispensing channels thatare thermally sealed when not in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a container.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide such acontainer that is thermally insulated.

[0009] It is still another object of the present invention to providesuch a container that has a cover that is thermally, sealingly engagedand remains on the container.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide such acontainer that allows filling and dispensing of a substance withoutremoval of the cover.

[0011] It is still a further object of the present invention to providea container that substantially eliminates heat loss by allowing thefilling and dispensing of the container through filling and dispensingchannels that are thermally sealed when not in use.

[0012] These and other objects and advantages of the present inventionare achieved by a container having a lid that remains thermally,sealingly engaged with the container during the filling and dispensingof the container, and has filling and dispensing channels that arethermally sealed when not in use. The filling channel is thermallysealed using a floating ball, and the dispensing channel is thermallysealed using a rolling ball. Also, the dispensing channel can bethermally sealed using a flat, pivoting valve that opens under the forceof gravity.

[0013] The present invention provides a container having a body definingan inner volume; a handle that can be secured to the body; a lid thatcan be sealingly secured to the body; a passageway formed in the body,the lid or both, and connected between the inner volume and atmosphere;and a valve operably connected to the passageway. The valve provideseither fluid communication between the inner volume and the atmospherethrough the passageway or fluid isolation between the inner volume andthe atmosphere through the passageway. The valve also operates withoutmanual actuation.

[0014] The present invention also includes a container having a bodydefining an inner volume; a handle that can be, and preferably is,secured to the body; a lid that can be sealingly secured to the body; afirst passageway formed in the body, the lid or both, and connectedbetween the inner volume and atmosphere; a first valve operablyconnected to the first passageway; a second passageway formed in thebody, the lid or both, and connected between the inner volume and theatmosphere; and a second valve operably connected to the secondPassageway. The first valve provides either fluid communication betweenthe inner volume and the atmosphere through the first passageway orfluid isolation between the inner volume and the atmosphere through thefirst passageway. The second valve provides either fluid communicationbetween the inner volume and the atmosphere through the secondpassageway or fluid isolation between the inner volume and theatmosphere through the second passageway. Also, the first and secondvalves operate without manual actuation.

[0015] The present invention additionally includes a container having abody defining an inner volume; a lid that can be sealingly secured tothe body; a filling channel formed or provided in the lid and connectedbetween the inner volume and atmosphere; a filling valve operablyconnected to the filling channel; a dispensing channel formed orprovided in the lid and connected between the inner volume and theatmosphere; and a dispensing valve operably connected to the dispensingchannel. The filling valve has an actuated position that provides fluidcommunication between the inner volume and the atmosphere through thefilling channel and a non-actuated position that provides fluidisolation between the inner volume and the atmosphere through thefilling channel. The dispensing valve has an actuated position thatprovides fluid communication between the inner volume and the atmospherethrough the dispensing channel and a non-actuated position that providesfluid isolation between the inner volume and the atmosphere through thedispensing channel. The filling valve is actuated by the liquid beingfilled into the inner volume and the dispensing valve is actuated bytilting of the container.

[0016] The lid can have a retaining ring and a cover. The retaining ringcan be secured to the body and the cover can be selectively secured tothe retaining ring. The filling and dispensing channels can be formedthrough the cover. The cover can be threadingly secured to the retainingring. The valves can be actuated by gravity when the container istilted. The valves can be floating balls. The container can also have aguiding member, in which the valves are slidably connected to theguiding member to allow only substantially linear movement of thevalves. The container can additionally have a vent that provides fluidcommunication between the inner volume and the atmosphere independent ofactuation of the valves. The body can have an inner wall and an outerwall with a space or vacuum disposed between the walls.

[0017] The dispensing valve can have a sealing member that is pivotallysecured adjacent to the dispensing channel. The dispensing valve can bemovable between the actuated position in which the sealing memberunseals the dispensing channel and the non-actuated position in whichthe sealing member seals the dispensing channel. The sealing member canbe substantially flat. The body can have a longitudinal axis, and thefilling channel can have a first end with a first opening and a secondend with a second opening. The first opening can be disposed fartheraway from the longitudinal axis than the second opening. The containercan have a spout in fluid communication with the dispensing channel. Thespout can be disposed on the retaining ring.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a side view of a container of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a top view of the container of FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1, takenalong line A-A of FIG. 2;

[0021]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of acontainer of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 5 is a top view of another alternate embodiment of thecontainer of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 5, takenalong line A-A of FIG. 5;

[0024]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 5, takenalong line B-B of FIG. 5; and

[0025]FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 5.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Referring to the figures and, in particular, to FIGS. 1 and 2,there is provided a container generally represented by reference numeral10. Container 10 has a body 20, a lid 100 that can be removably securedto the body, and a handle 200 that is preferably secured to the body.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, body 20 is preferably substantiallycylindrical in shape. Body 20 has an opening 25 through which asubstance may enter and exit container 10. Preferably, body 20 has ahollow area or inner volume 27 of about 1.5 liters. However, the innervolume 27 can have a smaller or larger capacity. Opening 25 ispreferably circular but can be other shapes depending upon the shape ofbody 20. Body 20 has an outer wall 30 and an inner wall 40. Outer wall30 and inner wall 40 are separated to define therebetween a thermalspace 50. Preferably, thermal space 50 provides a vacuum between outerand inner walls 30, 40 for improved thermal insulation of container 10.Outer and inner walls 30, 40 are preferably made of stainless steel.While this embodiment uses a double wall design, i.e., outer wall 30,inner wall 40 and thermal space 50, to provide thermal insulation toinner volume 27, alternative designs can also be used to thermallyinsulate container 10.

[0028] Lid 100 can allow a substance, in this example a brewed liquidsuch as coffee, to flow through the lid and into inner volume 27 of body20 without removal of the lid. Lid 100 has a rim 120 and a cover 150.Rim 120 and inner wall 40 are configured and sized for sealingengagement. In the embodiment shown, rim 120 snap fits into sealingengagement with inner wall 40. A seal 125 is positioned between rim 120and inner wall 40 to prevent any leakage of liquid or loss of heat.Preferably, seal 125 is a soft durometer gasket. Preferably, rim 120 andcover 150 are made from thermoplastic material.

[0029] Cover 150 is sealingly secured to rim 120 to prevent leakage andheat loss. Preferably, cover 150 is threadingly secured to rim 120 bythreads on the exterior surface of cover 150, which mate with threads onthe interior surface of opening 122 of the rim.

[0030] Cover 150 has a filling channel 160 and a dispensing channel 180.In the embodiment shown, separate channels 160, 180 are used for thefilling and dispensing operations of container 10. However, a singlechannel can be used for the filling and dispensing operations ofcontainer 10. Also, more than two channels can be used for the fillingand dispensing operations of container 10.

[0031] Preferably, filling channel 160 is substantially concave havingan arcuate cup-like shape. However, filling channel 160 can have othershapes including frusto-conical. Filling channel 160 has a filling valve165, a filling seat 170 and a filling hole 175. Preferably, fillingvalve 165 is a ball. Filling ball 165 has a specific gravity that allowsit to float in filling channel 160 when a liquid, in this example abrewed substance such as coffee, is introduced into the filling channel.The concave or arcuate shape of filling channel 160 facilitates holdingof the liquid as it is introduced into the filling channel and creates aslope for filling ball 165 to rest back upon filling seat 170 asdescribed below. In this embodiment, one ball is used for filling valve165. However, alternatively, a plurality of balls can also be used forfilling valve 165, as well as a plurality of filling seats 170.

[0032] Preferably, filling ball 165 is made from plastic. When fillingball 165 floats, it is raised above filling seat 170. Thus, filling hole175 is opened and the liquid flows through filling channel 160 intocontainer 10. In this embodiment, filling hole 175 is substantiallycylindrical in shape to facilitate the flow of the liquid from fillingchannel 160 through filling hole 175. Once all of the liquid isintroduced into container 10, filling ball 165 will cease floating andwill rest back upon filling seat 170 due to the concave or arcuate shapeof filling channel 160 and gravity. Filling hole 175 has a diameter thatis smaller than the diameter of filling ball 165 to prevent the fillingball from passing fully through the filling hole and to allow a sealingengagement. Preferably, filling ball 165 has the same or similar shapeas filling seat 170 to allow a sealing engagement therebetween. Thiscreates a sealing engagement of filling hole 175 that prevents heat lossthrough filling channel 160.

[0033] Container 10 further has a filling orifice 550 positioneddownstream from filling hole 175. Preferably, filling orifice 550 isoffset from filling hole 175 toward handle 200. Offsetting fillingorifice 500 from filling hole 175 towards handle 200 minimizes the riskof any back flow of the liquid through filling channel 160 whencontainer 10 is tilted for pouring.

[0034] Dispensing channel 180 has a dispensing valve 185, a lower seat190, a lower hole 192, an upper seat 195, and an upper hole 197.Preferably, dispensing valve 185 is a ball. However, dispensing valve185 can also be other one-way valves that prevent heat loss throughdispensing channel 180. In this embodiment, one ball is used fordispensing valve 185. However, alternatively, a plurality of balls canalso be used for dispensing valve 185. When container 10 is in anupright position, dispensing ball 185 rests on lower seat 190. Lowerhole 192 has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of dispensingball 185 to prevent the dispensing ball from passing fully through thelower hole and to allow a sealing engagement. Preferably, dispensingball 185 has the same or similar shape as lower seat 190 to allow asealing engagement. In this embodiment, lower seat 190 has a circularshape that facilitates sealing engagement with the spherical shape ofdispensing ball 185. This creates a sealing engagement of dispensingball 185 and lower hole 192. Thus, heat loss through dispensing channel180 is prevented.

[0035] Dispensing channel 180 preferably has an angled or sloped shape.When container 10 is tilted for pouring or dispensing of the liquid,dispensing ball 185 is dislodged from lower seat 192 and moves alongangled or sloped dispensing channel 180 towards upper hole 197 due togravity. Dispensing ball 185 rests upon upper seat 195 due to the shapeof dispensing channel 180 and the force of gravity (the position ofdispensing ball 185 is depicted by broken lines 185′). Upper hole 197has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of dispensing ball 185to prevent the dispensing ball from fully passing through the upperhole. Upper hole 197 and upper seat 195 have a different shape thandispensing ball 185 to allow the liquid to flow around the periphery ofthe dispensing ball and through the upper hole. Upper hole 197 and upperseat 195 can have an elliptical shape that provides a gap about theperiphery of the spherical dispensing ball 185. Thus, the liquid flowsthrough dispensing channel 180 when container 10 is tilted.

[0036] Lid 100 preferably has a vent hole 155. However, alternativeventing means may be utilized including positioning vent hole 155 alongbody 20. Vent hole 155 permits air to exit and enter container 10 duringthe filling and dispensing operations. Thus, vent hole 155 preventscontainer 10 from becoming air bound or creating an internal vacuum andhindering the transfer of the liquid. Significantly, lid 100 does notrequire any opening to fill container 10 or to dispense a substance fromcontainer 10.

[0037] Handle 200 facilitates lifting and pouring of container 10.Preferably, handle 200 extends vertically along outer wall 30. Morepreferably, handle 200 has a curved shape that is similar to thecurvature of outer wall 30. Preferably, handle 200 is made from athermoplastic material. In this embodiment, handle 200 is secured tobody 20 by a screw 210 positioned at the bottom of the handle and a hook220 positioned at the top of the handle. Rim 120 has a receptacle (notshown) for receipt and engagement with hook 220. Alternative positioningand securing methods for handle 200 can also be used, includingproviding removability of the handle or securing the handle to adifferent portion of container 10.

[0038] Container 10 also has a spout 300. Spout 300 is in fluidcommunication with dispensing channel 180 as shown clearly in FIG. 2 tofacilitate and direct the liquid as it is poured from container 10.

[0039] Container 10 provides for thermal sealing of inner volume 27without manual actuation of any valves, i.e., a user does not need toactuate any valve by hand in order to thermally seal the inner volume.Container 10 allows for filling or dispensing the contents of innervolume 27 while automatically thermally sealing the inner volume beforeand after the filling or dispensing operation. Lid 100 remainsthermally, sealingly engaged with body 20 during either the filling ordispensing operation.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of the containerof the present invention is shown and generally represented by referencenumeral 1000, with features that are similar to the features ofcontainer 10 being represented by the same reference numerals. In thisembodiment, container 1000 also has a disk 400. Disk 400 is preferablyvacuum brazed to the bottom of outer wall 30. This provides an advantageof a lower profile at the bottom of container 10 and simplifies themanufacturing process.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 5 through 8, an alternative embodiment of thecontainer of the present invention is shown and generally represented byreference numeral 2000, with features that are similar to the featuresof container 10 being represented by the same reference numerals. Lid100 has a filling channel 1600, a filling ball 1650, a filling seat 1700and a filling hole 1750.

[0042] Similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 4, filling ball1650 has a specific gravity that allows it to float in filling channel1600 when a liquid is introduced into the filling channel. When fillingball 1650 floats, it is raised above filling seat 1700. Thus, fillinghole 1750 is opened and the liquid flows through filling channel 1600into container 2000.

[0043] Container 2000 has a filling orifice 5500 positioned downstreamfrom filling hole 1750. Preferably, filling orifice 5500 is offset fromfilling hole 1750 toward handle 200. Offsetting filling orifice 5500from filling hole 1750 towards handle 200 minimizes the risk of any backflow of the liquid through filling channel 1600 when container 2000 istilted for pouring.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, filling valve 1650 is a ball with anoval shape. The oval shape of filling ball 1650 provides for a largerarea for floatation without the need for increasing the height of thefilling area. The larger area of floatation allows filling ball 1650 tosealingly engage a larger filling seat 1700 that allows for increasedflow through filling hole 1750.

[0045] Filling ball 1650 has a channel 500 formed therein. Preferably,channel 500 is substantially centrally located in floating ball 1650.Lid 100 also has a floating projection or guiding member 510 extendingdownwardly towards floating ball 1650. Floating projection 510 ispositioned above and aligned with channel 500 to allow the projection toslide into the channel. This permits vertical movement of floating ball1650 when a liquid is introduced into filling channel 1600 but preventsor limits horizontal movement of the floating ball.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, lid 100 has a dispensing channel 1800, adispensing valve 1850, a dispensing seat 1900, and a dispensing hole1920. Dispensing valve 1850 is a flat valve having a first end 520 and asecond end 530. First end 520 is pivotally connected to lid 100. Secondend 530 is free to swing about the pivot point of first end 520. In thisembodiment, dispensing valve 1850 has an L shape with first end 520being positioned higher than second end 530.

[0047] When container 2000 is in an upright position, dispensing valve1850 rests on dispensing seat 1900. Dispensing hole 1920 has a diameterthat is smaller than the diameter of dispensing valve 1850 to allow asealing engagement. Thus, heat loss through dispensing channel 1800 isprevented.

[0048] When container 2000 is tilted for pouring of the liquid, theforce of gravity causes dispensing valve 1850 to swing about the pivotpoint of first end 520. Thus, dispensing valve 1850 is pivoted away fromdispensing seat 1900 and dispensing hole 1920 is opened. The liquid canthen flow through dispensing channel 1800.

[0049] It should be understood that the foregoing description is onlyillustrative of the present invention. Various alternatives andmodifications can be devised by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the present invention.

[0050] Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace allsuch alternatives, modifications and variances as defined in theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A container for holding a liquid comprising: abody defining an inner volume; a handle being secured to said body; alid being sealingly secured to said body; a passageway being formed insaid body, said lid or both, and being connected between said innervolume and atmosphere; and a valve being operably connected to saidpassageway, wherein said valve provides either fluid communicationbetween said inner volume and the atmosphere through said passageway orfluid isolation between said inner volume and the atmosphere throughsaid passageway, and wherein said valve operates without manualactuation.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein said valve is a firstvalve and a second valve, and wherein said first valve is actuated bysaid liquid being filled into said inner volume and said second valve isactuated by tilting of the container.
 3. The container of claim 2,wherein said second valve is actuated by gravity when the container istilted.
 4. The container of claim 2, wherein said first valve is afloating ball.
 5. The container of claim 2, further comprising a guidingmember, wherein said first valve is slidably connected to said guidingmember to allow only substantially linear movement of said first valve.6. The container of claim 2, further comprising a vent that providesfluid communication between said inner volume and the atmosphereindependent of actuation of said valve.
 7. The container of claim 6,wherein said body comprises an inner wall and an outer wall, and whereinsaid inner and outer walls are separated by a space having a vacuumtherein.
 8. A container for holding a liquid comprising: a body definingan inner volume; a handle being secured to said body; a lid beingsealingly secured to said body; a first passageway being formed in saidbody, said lid or both, and being connected between said inner volumeand atmosphere; a first valve being operably connected to said firstpassageway; a second passageway being formed in said body, said lid orboth, and being connected between said inner volume and the atmosphere;and a second valve being operably connected to said second passageway,wherein said first valve provides either fluid communication betweensaid inner volume and the atmosphere through said first passageway orfluid isolation between said inner volume and the atmosphere throughsaid first passageway, wherein said second valve provides either fluidcommunication between said inner volume and the atmosphere through saidsecond passageway or fluid isolation between said inner volume and theatmosphere through said second passageway, and wherein said first andsecond valves operate without manual actuation.
 9. The container ofclaim 8, wherein said first valve is actuated by said liquid beingfilled into said inner volume and said second valve is actuated bytilting of the container.
 10. The container of claim 9, wherein saidsecond valve is actuated by gravity when the container is tilted. 11.The container of claim 9, wherein said first valve is a floating ball.12. The container of claim 9, further comprising a guiding member,wherein said first valve is slidably connected to said guiding member toallow only substantially linear movement of said first valve.
 13. Thecontainer of claim 9, further comprising a vent that provides fluidcommunication between said inner volume and the atmosphere independentof actuation of said first or second valves.
 14. The container of claim13, wherein said body comprises an inner wall and an outer wall, andwherein said inner and outer walls are separated by a space having avacuum therein.
 15. A container for holding a liquid comprising: a bodydefining an inner volume; a lid being sealingly secured to said body; afilling channel being formed in said lid and being connected betweensaid inner volume and atmosphere; a filling valve being operablyconnected to said filling channel; a dispensing channel being formed insaid lid and being connected between said inner volume and theatmosphere; and a dispensing valve being operably connected to saiddispensing channel, wherein said filling valve has an actuated positionthat provides fluid communication between said inner volume and theatmosphere through said filling channel and a non-actuated position thatprovides fluid isolation between said inner volume and the atmospherethrough said filling channel, wherein said dispensing valve has anactuated position that provides fluid communication between said innervolume and the atmosphere through said dispensing channel and anon-actuated position that provides fluid isolation between said innervolume and the atmosphere through said dispensing channel, wherein saidfilling valve is actuated by said liquid being filled into said innervolume, and wherein said dispensing valve is actuated by tilting of thecontainer.
 16. The container of claim 15, wherein said lid comprises aretaining ring and a cover, wherein said retaining ring is secured tosaid body, wherein said cover is selectively secured to said retainingring, and wherein said filling and dispensing channels are formedthrough said cover.
 17. The container of claim 16, wherein said cover isthreadingly secured to said retaining ring.
 18. The container of claim16, wherein said retaining ring further comprises a spout in fluidcommunication with said dispensing channel.
 19. The container of claim15, wherein said dispensing valve is actuated by gravity when thecontainer is tilted.
 20. The container of claim 19, wherein saiddispensing valve has a sealing member that is pivotally secured adjacentto said dispensing channel, and wherein said dispensing valve is movablebetween said actuated position in which said sealing member unseals saiddispensing channel and said non-actuated position in which said sealingmember seals said dispensing channel.
 21. The container of claim 20,wherein said sealing member is substantially flat.
 22. The container ofclaim 15, wherein said filling valve is a floating ball.
 23. Thecontainer of claim 15, further comprising a guiding member, wherein saidfilling valve is slidably connected to said guiding member to allow onlysubstantially linear movement of said filling valve.
 24. The containerof claim 15, further comprising a vent that provides fluid communicationbetween said inner volume and the atmosphere independent of actuation ofsaid filling or dispensing valves.
 25. The container of claim 24,wherein said body comprises an inner wall and an outer wall, and whereinsaid inner and outer walls are separated by a space having a vacuumtherein.
 26. The container of claim 15, wherein said body has alongitudinal axis, wherein said filling channel has a first end with afirst opening and a second end with a second opening, and wherein saidfirst opening is disposed farther away from said longitudinal axis thansaid second opening.
 27. The container of claim 15, further comprising aspout in fluid communication with said dispensing channel.